Listen to Your Heart

Popping off the cap of the beer bottle, taking a long breath; she lays down under the stars, watching the night sky. The moon shining bright as ever, with itty bitty shiny glimmers in the sky; surrounded the vast object.

Sulking in the warm Arizona night's warmth against her skin, she could hear loud cheers coming from behind. Vulgar language being tossed about, teases filled the air, laughter took over the night.

Finally dawning on her, everything was coming to an end; but for the better, opening up a new chapter in life; opportunities. Being around the people who love her, and getting to spend hopefully her life with the love of her life.

Letting everything slowly sink in, she couldn't help but think. What if she didn't make it that day? What if he never proposed? What if he was never there for the birth of their child? What if they never met? What if he never loved her? What if?

"Annie?" She turned around expecting someone other than her brother.

"Hey! You shouldn't be here, you should be at the bachelor party!" She scolded.

He smiled at his little sister, taking a seat on the damp grass. "Well I guess I couldn’t resist staying away from my baby sis."

She rolled her eyes giving him a light shove. He was always the one to baby her, even if she were 22 years old. "Kennedy, I'm not a baby anymore."

He sighed taking her hands in his. "I know, you're all grown up. You have a baby and getting married. But you know you'll always be my baby sis; no matter what."

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "I know, and you'll always be my big bro."

They sat there in comfortable silence looking out into the night sky. The wind blew swiftly, leaving a chill feeling on their moist skin.

"Kennedy?" He turned to her cocking an eyebrow. "What are you really doing here?"

"I'm just making sure you're doing okay." He answered wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that I'm just making sure you're not getting cold feet." He explained, giving her a gentle squeeze.

She smirked in reply. "Nope, my feet are just perfectly toasty."

He scoffed playfully shoving her. "Annie,"

She laughed giving him a poke. "I'm just messing with you Kenny."

"I really mean it Annie, I love you and don't want to see you hurt. Even if it means backing out of the wedding, I'll be there to support you."

"I'm not backing out of the wedding Kennedy." She sighed sitting up right. "I don't care what you say, I love John and we're gonna get married tomorrow."

He bit his lip hearing her say this, it killed him to know his sister was rushing into something this big. A long term commitment, adding a child into the mix doesn't really help it out much.

"I know you love him, but do you think you're making a rational decision?" He asked.

"Yes, it is a rational decision. We have a child together, Ken."

"I get that you two have a child together. But, can't you just take it a day at a time? Not rush into this whole marriage thing?" He pleaded hoping she'd change her mind.

"No, I've already made up my mind. I'm going to marry John tomorrow and that's it." She said sternly. "I wish you'd just accept and support my decision Ken, that's all I ask for."

"I know I'm sorry. I should be supporting you, not going against your happiness." She smiled hearing these words leave his mouth. "I'm there for you 100% as I walk you down that aisle."

"Thank you Ken, it means a lot to me." She kissed him on the cheek. "And I think you should have a little talk with dad to whether who will walk me down the aisle."

"I'm walking you, done. End of conversation." He joked.

She laughed shaking her head at him. "Okay mister; just make sure you don't trip."
"Ugh, make sure I don't cry!"

"Cry, what? Don't do that, you'll make me cry. And if I cry, my make-up will get fucked up. And my make-up gets fucked up then I'll kill you. And if--"

"Annie shush, you're rambling. I won't cry I promise, well kinda." He laughed at his sister's ramble.

"I'm sorry, I can't help myself. I'm just so anxious!"

"There's nothing to worry about," He assured her. "You're going to be a wonderful wife."

She smiled up at him, kissing his cheek softly. "Thanks Kenny, I love you."

"Love you too."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Jay!!!!!!" Annie screeched chasing him around the room. It was the day of the wedding and everything was chaotic. Nothing seemed to be going right at the moment. "Please listen to mommy and get into your tux!"

The little boy laughed deviously ducking under the table wanting the play hid-n'-seek.

"Jay, I'm begging you! Get into this tux, now!" He stuck his tongue out at his mother and ran out of the room.

"You gotta loosen up Annie, it's your wedding day." Her mother smiled, patting her back.

She sighed giving up. "I can't mom, everything's just so crazy! I can't do this, I kinda wish we'd just elope."

Her mother gasped holding her chest. "Non-sense! There is no way you're going to elope! It's a time when you celebrate a holy matrimony with all your friends and family. Not with some fake priest in Vegas!"

She laughed at her mother’s little tantrum. "Mom calm down, I was just saying as in 'what if'."

"Well don't what if, you're gonna scare me half to death?"

"I know I'm sorry." She hugged her trying to calm her down.

"Now, you need to get ready. I'll take care of Jay for you."

"Thanks mom," Annie said. "Make sure he's ready and with the guys in their room."

"Sure thing sweetie," She said walking out the room with his tux. "Momma got it all under control!"

Laughing, Annie collapsed in the chair trying to catch a breath. The wedding was less than an hour away and she wasn't even dressed yet, nor did she have her hair or make-up done.

Could this day get any worse?

She spoke too soon.

"Knock, knock." I voice called. Annie opened her eyes seeing who was had entered the room. To her surprise it was Raquel.

"Oh, hi." She said coldly.

Raquel awkwardly walked in, she seemed...scared. "Um, can I talk to you real quick?"

"Look Raquel, I really don't want to pick a fight with you, especially now."

"I know you don't, but we're not gonna fight. I just have something I need to tell you before you got married. Something I need to get off of my chest." She said taking a seat on the sofa.

"Okay," Annie sighed. "I'm all ears."

"Okay, I want to start off with saying I'm sorry." Annie rolled her eyes at her. "But this time I really mean it. Not faking it like the last time we made up at the mall, I really do mean it this time, from the bottom of my heart. I realized but I've put you through, emotionally and physically; and I regret every moment of it. I could have taken an innocent child’s life, that made me see what a cold heartless bitch I was."

Annie had a hard time taking this all in. It was her wedding day, an hour before the wedding she's comforted by her fiancé’s ex.

"We've been through too much over a guy. Fighting over simple things that are not necessary, I just wish we could start over, with a clean slate. Just...forget everything that ever happened between us. Can you forgive me?"

She sounded sincere, but there was so much that happened that made Annie have to rethink things.

"To be honest, I don't think I can forgive you now. But over time I think I'll be able to, but not now." She nodded accepting to the terms.

"I know, it'll take time for you to forgive me. I promise it will be worth it though, I'm a changed person. I'm happy with my life, in love, and not planning on ruining anyone’s relationship."

Annie smiled hearing this, maybe arched enemy can really become friends. "I'm glad to hear that you're happy. I really do with you the best Raquel."

"Thank you, same goes to you. Hope you and John stay happy together and raise a wonderful child."

"Hey Annie it's time to get ready!" Rachel came walking in with the twins in tail. "We need to—" She stopped, almost dropping the bouquet. "What the actual fuck."

"Fuck," Repeated Kadyen. Rachel ignored him and glared at us.

"Hey," Raquel greeted, giving her a small wave.

"Why—who let her in here!?! Security!" She yelled looking furious.

"Rach, it's cool we're just talking."

Rachel stormed over grabbing my hand pulling me to the door. "Are you crazy!?! She's a physco path! Why would you be talking to her...on your wedding day!?!"

"Just calm down, we're just hashing things out, okay?" Annie said trying to calm her friend down.
"Don't worry, I've got everything under control."

They both turn back around where Raquel was now standing. "Um, I think I should go now."

"Yeah you should, you shouldn't be here in the first place." Rachel mumbled, Annie punched her in the arm to shut up.

"No wait," Annie said. "You should stay for the wedding."

Rachel gasped and Raquel seemed taken back. "What?"

"You should stay for the wedding, and have your boyfriend come too."

"Really?" Annie nodded. "Wow that sounds great, thank you."

"No problem, just go home and change, the weddings in an hour." Annie told her as she walks out.

Once Raquel left, Rachel once again pulled Annie aside ready to blast her ears off. "What are you doing!?! Why would you invite your fiancé’s ex to the wedding!?!"

Annie rolled her eyes not wanting to argue. "I did okay? Now if you excuse me, I need to get ready."

"Annie--"

"See you later, Rach."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Annie you gotta stay still before I burn your face off!" Kelsey scolded finishing the last bit of Annie's hair off.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so nervous!" She said dramatically. It was minutes before the wedding and Annie was yet to put on her dress and walk down the aisle.

Kelsey laughs at her friend as she set the curler down. "Just take in a deep breath and clear your mind. Before you know it, you're gonna be Mrs. Annie O'Callaghan V!"

Annie closed her eyes taking drawing in a breath, letting her mind clear up.

"Ladies get ready!" Jenny announced walking into the room. "Annie sweetheart, why on earth aren't you ready?"

I shook my head not knowing why, maybe cause I'm overwhelmed!?!

"Okay all the bridesmaids get into your dresses, Jenny help me get Annie into her dress." My mother said in a nasty tone, she herself was stressed.

"Mom I can get into the dress by myself!" She retorted annoyed.

"No you can't! Now get over here, we're already running late!"

Annie walked over slipping into the white gown carefully. Everyone held their breaths as she was zipped in. Turning in a 360, letting the dress hug her body perfectly in the right places. A round of 'oohs and awes' circled the room.

She walked over to the mirror looking at her. She couldn't help but shed a tear, this day was really happening, she was getting married to the love of her life.

"Annie, you look marvelous!" Her mother said in awe. She had Jenny and her mother beside her, admiring the dress.

"Something old," Her mother held out a pair of diamond earrings that sparkled in the light. She placed them on Annie's ear, as everyone watched in silence.

"Something new," Rachel placed a bracelet on her wrist, which complemented her perfectly.

"Something barrowed," Jenny came over and gave her a broach that's ben in the family for many generations. Gingerly, she clipped it to Annie's bouquet.

"And something blue?" Kels questioned. Everyone paused and froze.

"My panties are blue!" Annie yelled, everyone busted out laughing. "What? It's true!"

"Haha, way to ruin the moment Annie." Rachel said hugging her. "Wait you're missing something."

"What!?!" She asked panicked.

"Where are your shoes?!"

"Oh yeah, shoes. They’re in the green bag behind the couch." Mrs. Brock went to retrieve her daughter's shoes.

"Annie," She gasped. Everyone turned their attention to her. She held up a pair of hot pink pumps in the air.

Annie grinned seeing the shoes in her mother's hand. Rachel couldn't help but smirk, giving her best friend a high-five.

"Thank you mother," Annie said happily as she slipped on the pumps.

"Annie, there's no way you're wearing those!"

"But mom, these are me. Something that screams Annie, the rule breaker." Her mother rolled her eye, Jenny couldn't even help but laugh at her future daughter in-law.

"Oh lighten up Carol, I think they're very original." Jenny butted in, thank god for her. Carol sighed handing her daughter her shoes in disgust.

"Knock, knock." Kennedy was at the door in his tux waiting. "Where's my—wow." She laughed as he walked over spinning me. "You look..."

"Beautiful," Rachel said. He rolled his eyes at her.

"Yes, beautiful." Annie smiled at him. "Ready baby sis?"

She nodded linking to his arm. "Ready big bro."

"Mom, Jenny, everyone that's anyone who’s not in the bridal party, please take a seat for the ceremony." Kennedy announced clapping.

"Take care of her Kennedy." His mother said grabbing her clutch.

"I know mom," He said kissing her cheek.

"Good luck baby, next time I see you, you'll be married." She kissed Annie's head and walked out.
Sneaking a look around the corner, she could see John standing at the podium fighting with his cuffs.

"You ready?" Kennedy whispered.

"Yeah," She whispered.

One by one the bridesmaids and the groomsmen walked out hand in hand together down the aisle. But before came little Jay as the ring barrier, behind him came Emma as flower girl, and Kayden as her lovely escort.

Now standing straighter than ever, hanging onto Kennedy a little tighter she started to walk. The music began the piano playing faintly in the background. As the doors opened wider, John looked up to see his soon to be wife walking down the aisle.

Her stunning self-strutted down the aisle, her dress the complimented every feature on her body. The sun shined perfectly, hitting her on all the right places.

The closre Annie got to John she felt her heart beat 10 times faster. Kennedy squeezed her arm to ensure her that everything was going to be okay.

As they reached the podium, the priest walked to his spot.

"May everyone please be seated?" Everyone took their seats under the Arizona sun. "Who here today is giving away this woman to this man?"

"I do," Kennedy says, giving my hand to John. "Take good care of her John Oh."
He walks off to his seat as a step onto the podium. John gives me a warm smile which makes my heart skip a beat.

"Friends, John and Annie, have invited us here today to share in the celebration of holy matrimony." He paused taking a good look of the crowd. "We come together, not to mark the start of a relationship but to recognize a bond that already exists. This marriage is one expression of the many varieties of love. Love is one, though its expressions are infinite."

I sneak a glance over at my parents; my mom was already in tears shoving a tissue up her nose.

"A marriage that is to last will be continually growing. Yet the closeness which it assumes should not diminish but strengthen the individuality of each partner. The poet Rilke has written that, marriage is not a matter of creating a quick community of spirit by tearing down and destroying all boundaries, but rather a good marriage is that in which each appoints the other guardian of his solitude . . . once the realization is accepted that even between the closest people infinite distances exist, a marvelous living side by side can grow up, if they succeed in loving the expanse between them which gives them the possibility of always seeing each other as whole and before an immense sky."

"Now, for the reading of vows; John would you like to read your vow to Annie." John fumbled as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a crumpled up piece of paper.

With one hand he held into my hand, the other to the paper. "Uh, I John, choose you, Annie, to be my wife. In front of our friends and family gathered here I promise to love and cherish you throughout the good times and bad times. I promise to try to remember to put down the toilet seat and to replace the toilet roll when it finishes." The crowd laughed at John's humor.

I stared deeper into his greens eyes.

"I promise to remember this day with love and roses. I will love you always. From the day I laid eyes on you, I knew from my heart that you were the one for me, the love of my life."

Tears started to stream down his face as he finished readying his vow. Annie couldn't help but grin, she was happy to be standing her today.

"That was beautiful, thank you John. And for you Annie, please share with us your vows to John."

Annie carefully knelt down to her heels and pulled out a piece of paper. She unfolded the paper and started to read. "John, from the day I met you...I thought you were a douche bag who didn't deserve my time of day. As the time past we'd spend together. I realized how much you really meant to me. Your sarcastic comments to your heart dropping smirk."

Saying that John couldn't help to smirk.

“I love you John O'Callaghan, you will be the death of me."

"Thank you Annie, now for the ring ceremony presents the rings." John crouched down and motioned Jay to give him the ring. Jay all giddy, waltzed over and handed John then ring, making sure to make a huge scene doing so, he took after his father.

Annie motioned Emma for her ring, which was placed on a pillow in her flower basket.
"Annie, do you promise to love, honor, cook for, clean up after, surrender your share of the blanket to, live with the flatulence of, relinquish the remote to and with the toilet seat after until death do you part?"

Annie laughed hearing this, John had something to do with the priest’s speech. "I-I do."

Annie placed the silver band on finger and smiled brightly.

The priest nodded and turned to John. "John, do you promise to love, mow the lawn, change the diapers, do the dishes, relinquish the remote to and the toilet seat after until death do us apart?"

"I-Hmmmm-do." He slipped the ring onto Annie's finger, as he wiped the tears off her face.
"Alrightly then, John. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held against you, and you have the right to have an attorney present. I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride!"

John pulled Annie into him planting a long passionate kiss on her lips. This was more of a make-up session then simple kiss.

"Wahoo get some!" Someone from the crowd screamed. They finally broke the kiss and turned to everyone. Huge grins were plastered on both of their faces.

John grabbed Jay and Annie's had and the three began walking down the aisle. Stopping at the door, John leaned in for a kiss. "You look beautiful babe."

She giggled and kissed him on the cheek. "And you don't look half bad."

As they walked back inside, little pink roses where being thrown at them. Jay seemed to be having a blast running around freely.

"Everyone to the reception…to party!" Garrett yelled excited.

John was helping Annie into his beat up white truck that had 'Just married painted on the back.

"Wait!"

"What is it babe?" John asked confused.

"I forgot to do something!" She got out of the car and carefully ran back to the crowd. "Can I have all the single ladies gather around?" All the girls gathered around Annie, "Wait, never mind, all the ladies gather around, single or not!"

"Annie, what are you doing?" John asked holding Jay.

Annie smirked and turned around, "Ready or not here it comes!" She threw the bouquet backwards and everyone screeched.

Turning around to see who caught the bouquet she was surprised, along with John. "Congrats Raquel!"

"Why is she here?" John asked.

"Because I invited her!" Annie said. "Now let’s get to the reception party!"

Walked back to the car and stuffed herself into the front seat. Driving away she stole a glance at Raquel giving her a wave, she returned it with a smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Here we welcome today, Mr. and Mrs. John and Annie O'Callaghan!" The DJ announced as John and Annie entered the room. Giant roars filled the room, echoing.

The newlyweds walked in hand in hand with crazy smiles on their faces. More flowers were being thrown at them, they were surrounded by their close friends and family.

"Would you like a dance my lady?" John asked fancily.

"I would love to my love." She replied. The two made it to the middle of the ballroom. As the lights where shown on them, many eyes were watching in glee.

Annie placed her hands on John's shoulders and rested her head on his chest. "This is prefect."
"I know, we're finally married! Can you believe it!?!" She said cheerily.

"No, everything's still sinking in. Maybe after a few drinks or so." She playfully slapped his chest.
"I want you to remember this night John!"

"I know babe, don't worry. I'll cherish this night forever." The couple slowly danced to 'Kissing in cars' by Pierce the Veil.

Soon, the song ended and everyone was clapping. They made their way to the table and everyone started to make their toasts.

"Okay," Halvo got up from his seat and raised his glass. "Good afternoon ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Eric, also none as Halvo and for those of you that do ... well I apologize.

Foolishly, John has given me the great honor of being best man for him on this very special day. Let me just say how grateful I was to have been chosen to speak at such a joyous occasion.
Unfortunately, those feelings have now gone out the window and I stand here before you ... terrified. Right now I would like to ask both John and Annie to take part in my speech. Bride will you please place your left/right hand on the table. Groom will you please place your left/right hand on top of Bride's.

Now, from now till the death do you two apart, live by these rules?

John:

1. First, set the ground rules and establish whose boss - then do everything she says

2. Second, married life can be compared to Football ... so, be fully committed every week and make sure that you score every Saturday.

3. Don't forget, if you buy her flowers, she knows you're feeling guilty, and she will remember, to the second, the last time you bought her some ... AND the reason why!

4. Lastly, there are three words you must never forget, "You're right dear."

John almost spit out his drink during Halvo's speech, the kid has some balls. "Thanks man,"

As for Annie, to a successful marriage. For you I have the 5 key tips to a successful marriage. A man who will treat you right and always stand by your side...John. A man who will shower you with gifts and compliments...John. A man who will comfort you in times of trouble...John. A man who will please you and grant your every request...Now that's a perfect marriage.

"Um thank you Eric, I'll remember that" Annie laughed as Eric downed his drink. Somebody had too much to drink tonight.

"Clink, Clink, Clink. May I have everyone's attention please?" Mr. Brock stood but with champagne glass in hand. "Here is to my daughter and her new husband. Raise your glasses and remember this truth, her lucky man and I have each gained something this fine and blessed day. He gains a wife and a companion for life, while I gain a whole new stack of bills to pay. As the father of the bride, I have not much to say but...John, if you hurt my daughter I will beat your ass." Mr. Brock said with a smile. "And for a rule I think is much simpler than Eric's, this is the sentence to live by, "Yes honey, I'm sorry you're right." That, is how you survive a marriage."

Carol scoffed at her husband and scolded him. Everyone couldn't help but laugh, it's true, women are always right.

Everyone laughed and took a drink.

“As for my toast, John I’m gonna keep this the shortest. You hurt my sister, I will make sure you don’t live another second.” Kennedy smiled sweetly and sat back down. Every sat awkwardly for a while before drinking, nice one Kenny.

“Well that was awkward,” Annie mumbled.

“Eh, not the worst threat I’ve gotten from him.” John joked chugging his beer.

“Can this night get any better?”

“John!” Garrett screamed from across the table.

“What?”

“Keep your son off my daughter! He’s grinding all over her!” Garrett whined. The little kiddies were on the dance floor dancing the night off. Jay seemed to be hitting it off with Emma.

Annie laughed wrapping her arms around John’s shoulder. “It’s cute Garrett, let them be!”

“I will not, she is too young!”

“Garrett shut up, it’s not like they’re gonna have sex!” Rachel scolded.

“I don’t care, he’s getting too close to her! And I don’t like it one bit!” We all shook our heads and chose to ignore Garrett’s rants.

“Garrett you better shut up or you’re sleeping on the streets like the homeless people in Seattle.” Rachel warned causing everyone to break out laughing.

“Oh shit, he’s whipped!” Tim shouted.

Garrett chose to sit there and pout. “Lighten up Gare, I promise I’ll keep little Jay in check.”

“Whatever I give up, just watch when she’s older, she’s becoming a nun.” He got up and walked to the bar.

“Ugh ignore him, something’s up his ass tonight.” Rachel said in his defense.

“No problem Rach, we’re just here to have fun tonight!” John said kissing Annie’s hand.

“Aye, not too much fun kids! We don’t need the 7th generation anytime soon!” John the 4 said walking by.

John’s cheeks redden at his father’s bluntness. “Um,”

“Awe is Johnny Boy embarrassed?” Halvo teased.

“Leave the poor kid alone tonight, it is his wedding.” Trey laughed.

“Annie,” Pat whined.

“Yes Pattycake?” She asked sweetly ruffling his hair.

“Can we have cake now?” He asked with a puppy dog face. He was good at buttering her up.

“Pat, we haven’t had dinner yet.”

He jutted out his bottom lips making her feel guilty. “Pwease Annie-kins.”

She melted at his words and walked over grabbing his hand. “Cake it is.”

He happily cheered and ran with her over to the towering cake. “John get your ass over here!”

He lazily walked over grabbing Jay on the way. Everyone gathered around the table admiring the beautiful cake. Together the couple took the knife and cut a piece of the red velvet cake.

She was about to take a bite when John scoffed. “Yes?”

“You’re supposed to feed me!” She rolled her eyes and grinned.

“Okay, close your eyes.”

“What—“

“Close your eyes.” He obliged and closed his eyes. Deviously, Annie dug her hand into the cake and told John to open his mouth. With a quick swipe she smeared the cake all over his face.

He opened his eyes and gave her a look that meant run. Grabbing a handful of cake she ran with him in tail. Her being in a dress and John having long legs, he caught up to her in no time. Annie was tackled to the ground with John on top of her.

“Got you,” He said breathlessly.

“And what are you doing to do now?” She asked in a teasing manner.

“This,” He took the plate full of cake and smashed it onto her face. Lifting up the plate he then planted a tender kiss on her lips. Everyone clapped in awe watching the couple roll around in cake.

Breaking the kiss he stayed on top of her. She looked into his greens orbs, messy slicked back hair now falling in front of his eyes. His breath still heavy from the run, and frosting covered his face.
Leaning forward she pecked his lips. “I love you John Cornelius O’Callaghan V.” She whispered against his lips.

He smiled resting is forehead against hers. “And I love you Annie Christine O’Callaghan…forever and always. You—will forever be my saving grace.”